Cole Bruemmer, Author at Alexander Insurance Agency

29Mar

General Liability Insurance is an excellent form of protection against any claims of property damage or bodily injury that may occur. These days, people generally seem to be more litigious than ever before, and quickly jump to legal action. This can be quite troubling, whether or not their reasons are valid. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will look at types of claims, how to file a claim, and other common questions. Read on to get the details.

What are the Different Types of General Liability Claims?

Many common general liability claims can arise during just a normal day at work. Here are the most common types of claims you could potentially deal with:

Property Damage Lawsuit: One example of this could be with a mobile catering service. At a wedding, one of the heating methods or tools could cause a fire, damaging the structure behind it. The venue could sue your entity for potential damages. In that case, your general liability insurance policy would help greatly with this.
Slip and Fall Occurrence: If you were, say, a mortgage lender, you could have a customer slip and fall after you just got done mopping the floor. They may suffer an injury and need surgery. They could sue you for medical costs, which your general liability coverage would assist with.
Product Liability Issue: Say your business provides aquarium gear. If, after a customer sets up their aquarium with one (or more) of your products, their fish die, then the customer could try to sue your business. Your product liability coverage would come into play here. It could be questioned whether it was your products, or the owner’s handling that caused the fatality.
Customer Injury Lawsuit: If you were running a business such as an art gallery, you may have an extension cord running to lights or computerized props. If a customer trips over the cords and needs treatment for an injury, they could sue you for costs. This kind of claim and lawsuit could be taken care of with general liability coverage as well.

How do I file a General Liability Claim?

Here are the steps that work to assure that your claim is processed accurately:

Contact Your Agent as Soon as Possible: As soon as you find out that there has been an incident at your place of business, it’s best to contact your carrier as soon as you can. Even the slightest hesitation can make for a delay in processing your claim, and these events are best dealt with quickly.
Have the Most Important Details Ready: We’ll need to know some basic information about your general liability policy and your business. Now is the most opportune time to ask us about the details of the process, to see what else may be needed, and to see how long the process will take. Your policy number, name, and business name are a few of the most important details.
Have Plenty of Documentation: Take notes about everything, starting from your very first contact with the party proceeding with a claim or legal action. You should keep a record of any messages or correspondence. Every time you talk with your insurance provider, it is smart to log all your answers and timelines in a word document or spreadsheet so that you can quickly locate them later if needed.
Put Together Your Strategy for Resolution: If your claim eventually becomes a full-fledged lawsuit, it is best to have a strategy for solving things and/or settling the case. Arguing for a dismissal is a good strategy, as some judges tend to understand society’s frivolous nature. If you go to court for a trial, it is during this process that your documentation will help greatly. Some individuals who have a history of going after companies may make a bad reputation for themselves, allowing the trial to perhaps lean in your favor.

Any incident that may cause someone to jeopardize your livelihood could change the entire course of your business. From court cases to settlements and other mishaps, our experienced specialists here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles can offer a plan for preparedness in the event of an accident on your property.

06Mar

A wife that was recollecting her husband’s passion for motorcycles in a major news article this week was reflecting on how she understood his love for them, but encountered constant worry! Even though he had much love for the hobby, he recognized that it was crucial to have proper coverage for the ride. She started out by calling her current insurance provider and learned that her car insurance would not include the benefit of covering the motorcycle.

Here are some key elements we have learned over the years here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles that will assist you in making the right decision for your safety. These are the basic types of coverage for a standard motorcycle policy, and some distinct traits of each one.

Liability Insurance will cover damages and injury to others if you are involved in an accident. It doesn’t cover damages to you personally, or any damage your bike suffers.
Motorcycle Collision Insurance is a very useful variety of coverage that assists with damages to your bike from a collision. The bikes of today vary greatly in price, just as the mechanic’s and detailers’ rates of repair.
Comprehensive Insurance will cover damage to your motorcycle from a fire, theft, or mishap such as a fallen branch. This also assists with animal encounters on the road, which can be a common occurrence in Missouri! If you are not quite sure where your accident falls or want to understand the outcome of various events, just speak with us, and we will provide instant and reliable assistance!
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Coverage will assist with coverage for injuries that happen while you are riding. Sometimes these events take place in the blink of an eye! One reason why this is a very sought-after type of coverage is that it covers lost wages during your recovery period on top of the initial medical bills. If you enjoy bringing someone else along for the ride, it even provides the peace of mind to cover their medical liability.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage will assist with the very dire circumstance of an at-fault driver causing damage to you or your bike without being insured.
Custom Parts Coverage is an excellent option for those who like to modify their bike, as most policies will only cover the parts that come as standard. For those who are all about cruising with the addition of a sidecar or an awesome new paint job, this additional coverage is well worth it.

Above and Beyond the Bare Minimum:

It is very important to check your state’s minimum liability requirements, as they can vary drastically from state to state. Some riders believe that life insurance itself may be more valuable than motorcycle insurance, but we can assure you that foregoing motorcycle coverage would be a big mistake! No matter what the extent of your property damage or injuries are, you could end up in a grave amount of financial trouble if you happen to hurt someone else while enjoying an afternoon cruise. Once you see what the minimum coverage is, it is a wise move to add collision or comprehensive for greater protection.

As With Anything, Choose Wisely

For many riders in Missouri, motorcycles are a bit of a seasonal pastime. Many companies will allow you to add a “laid-up” form of coverage, where you can drop all coverage except for comprehensive coverage during the colder months. One of our experienced agents here at Alexander Insurance can offer you a consultation: you also may be able to save money on your premiums if you can provide an accurate mileage count, as the “weekend warrior abides!”

27Dec

Any company that provides vehicles for their employees has the very important responsibility of carrying auto insurance. As deliveries are made and people are in transit from one job site to another, there are all sorts of incidents that could arise on the road, making the need for adequate coverage mandatory. Everyone here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles is looking forward to seeing our clients have a safe and happy 2023. We put together a few of the most important items that will prepare you to make the best policy choice for your drivers out there hard at work on the job!

The Inclusive Liability Protection Commercial Auto Insurance Includes:

Commercial auto insurance is one of the most essential forms of coverage for businesses, because it provides liability if anyone encounters an accident on the clock. Any vehicles used at all for business purposes are covered, as well as the employee behind the wheel. Medical expenses for employees that incur an accident are also covered, and if you select the appropriate policy, so are legal costs incurred.

Many Coverage Characteristics are State Regulated:

The exact amount of coverage you will have to carry will depend on the location of your business. If you fail to comply with Missouri limitations, you may incur hefty fines, and be susceptible to the misery of a lawsuit against you. Each state requires you to provide compensation for the other driver involved if you are deemed at fault during the accident. Bodily injury liability and Property damage liability are minimum requirements before you hit the road.

Business Categories can Govern Costs:

The average price for commercial auto insurance is around $140 per month, with some on the luckier end paying less than $120 per month. Here are some factors that make a difference:

Your business’s size
How many vehicles need coverage
Types of vehicles needing coverage
How many different employees drive said vehicles
How much coverage are you in need of?
List
Unique occupational risks that your profession may have

Knowing Exactly Where You Stand in a Pinch:

If you suddenly are involved in an accident, you will find yourself quickly wondering how much coverage you have and for exactly what type of incidents. Your commercial auto insurance policy will provide coverage for you with a split limit or combined single limit method. A combined single-limit policy has a very specific coverage limit for any damage or injuries that occur during the accident.

The other vehicle involved may sustain bodily injury: if your coverage limit is $200,000, that amount will go toward covering damages that occur, and any medical expenses the victim incurs. A split limit policy provides different coverage limits for bodily injury and the unfortunate occurrence of property damage. So, depending on your per-person coverage limit, you may be personally responsible to pay damages if your limit is exceeded.

Situations That Benefit From Additional Coverage:

From large-scale food delivery to many other forms of logistics and transportation, many situations may require additional forms of coverage. If your employees use personal vehicles for work or rent company vehicles while on the go, it is wise to consider Hired and non-owned auto insurance. This form of coverage will protect vehicles that you need to use but you do not claim legal ownership to, such as traveling for work and renting cars in a different city.

Once your employees need to cross state lines to travel for work, additional forms of coverage may be needed. The coverage limits could be higher in your destination state than your home state, which could see you needing to speak to your provider to alter your plan. Some businesses such as sales thrive on out-of-state travel, while others such as IT may see needs to do so come up rapidly and unexpectedly.

The Advantage of Premiums During Tax Time:

The commercial auto insurance premiums that you need to pay for coverage may be tax-deductible. If you are not quite sure, it’s best to keep track of your mileage, receipts for business-related expenses, and keep a detailed record of your driving history for the last three years. If you are a self-employed contractor and need to drive your supplies around daily in a truck, you can deduct your premiums from your taxes. However, the car itself that you use to commute to and from work does not qualify.

If you drive for a rideshare company such as Uber or Lyft, you may need to have special insurance that covers you and your passengers. If you are using your car as a form of taxi, you can deduct your insurance. If your state and insurance company allow you to use your own personal insurance while ridesharing, you can calculate your deductible time.

Factors Governing the Decision to Deduct:

This amount is calculated by dividing your monthly car insurance payment by the percentage of the time you are using the car for this function. The most important thing to keep in mind here is that you can only write off insurance expenses if the total amount you are eligible to deduct is greater than the amount of the standard deduction. A few dollars saved is never worth your time and trouble when it comes to an audit, and an accountant is the best individual to consult when you have any potential questions.

It’s also important to note that it is not always mandatory to fully itemize your deductions to claim them as expenses. These deductions can be claimed on “Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business.” Speaking to us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles will allow you to make the best decision regarding your policy choice. Even though we understand that it can be a bit unnerving to think of the entity that provides your vitality and security having various individuals drive your cars, therefore insurance coverage exists: let us do the harder leg work and estimation while you hit the road and get ready to generate and retain business!

20Dec

Everywhere you look this year you see hard-working families fighting inflation, as the cost of goods has skyrocketed and making ends meet is becoming more of a challenge. We wanted to be sure to bring about a bit of holiday cheer since this is not the season to be constantly worried about breaking even regarding your bankbook and have devised some great tips on lowering your homeowners’ insurance policy.

The Insurance Information Institute performs very specific data-driven forms of research, which ultimately provides resources for homeowners to assist them in the final decision about the policies they select. These savvy solutions can assist you when it comes to making sure that you don’t see sticker shock when you receive your home insurance premium bill every month!

Freeing Up Vital Reserves by Shopping Around:

While it may take some extra time to make sure that you are checking with as many different companies as possible, you will rest assured knowing that you checked as many sources as you could. Friends and family are always likely to be transparent about their experience with insurance companies, as well as the Missouri Department of insurance. This department provides excellent services in resolving questions and complaints and allocating unpaid insurance benefits wow alleviating discrimination.

Services that provide online insurance quotes can offer you the opportunity to browse comfortably at your own pace, and rating companies’ resources such as A.M. Best and Standard & Poors spend a good amount of time with trained research and development teams looking at demographics and consumer results. Sitting down with us here at the Alexander insurance agency of Saint Charles will provide you a variety of options and ideas to ultimately lower your costs.

Advance at the Game of Risk by Raising Your Deductible:

The deductible is the amount of money you need to pay out of pocket to cover a loss before the claim even begins to be paid. Your policy will clearly dictate these terms upon the first read, with a higher deductible meaning a lower premium cost. A $500 deductible is common but doubling that amount can provide for up to a 30& savings on your premiums. It can be difficult to think that more out-of-pocket saves you in the long run, but the principle does hold true.

Closely Examine the Potential for Over-Coverage:

Your final home price and cost to rebuild are not the same, allowing for homeowners to pay too much unintentionally. The land beneath your structure is not at immediate risk from incidents such as fire and theft, and they are accidentally listed as blanketed under coverage from fire and theft. As market conditions continue to shift drastically, those hurrying to close a deal may overlook this crucial detail.

The Positive Outcome From Bundling, (Much Like Clothing for Winter!)

It is a great idea to consider bundling your home and auto policies from the same provider. This can ultimately provide you the timely and useful savings of 5 to 15% on your premium. It is also so very convenient to just log in and pay everything at once or enjoy another potential discount for autopay. Having all of your insurance needs taken care of by the same entity is now making more sense than ever and offers top-tier convenience in your daily life.

Discounts for Extended and Enthusiastic Loyalty:

Many providers will happily reduce their premiums by five percent if you stay with them for 3 to 5 years, and by 10% if you stay on board for 5 years or more. As you begin to enjoy this valuable perk, it is wise to periodically check with everyone around to assure that you are obtaining the best rate. As times have changed so drastically over the last two years, many providers have sat down and created much more attractive loyalty programs and discounts for those who value their services frequently.

Heightening Claim Prevention by Adhering to Home Security:

Even though many unexpected issues arise due to inclement weather and other natural disasters, taking a close inventory of your home security system will be a great help. Many prominent insurance companies will be willing to offer you a discount once you are equipped with smoke detectors, deadbolt locks, burglar alarms, in other means of keeping you safe. We have spoken with homeowners that are a little apprehensive about the initial intrusion and setup process of a home security system, but are very happy with the peace of mind and protection it ultimately brings.

When times get tight on the monthly budgeting end, even the most financially secure families are going to want to find ways to save wherever they can. Taking the steps to make sure you can have lowered premiums will assure that you’ll have money freed up for the other expenses that life doles out. As we are now situated in the holidays at the Alexander Insurance Agency and we know that every spare dollar counts, now is a great time to meet with us and decide which form of protection will feasibly help you best!

03Oct

After you successfully accomplish the goal of purchasing a home and covering it with an insurance policy, you’ll be presented with the option to choose replacement cost coverage. This will protect you by providing the funds to replace damaged or stolen property. This is the process of recoverable depreciation, which covers the gap between the depreciated value of an item, and the actual cost to replace it with one that is “fresh out of the box.”

What is the Calculation Process for Recoverable Depreciation?

If the depreciated value of a stolen stereo is $700 while a brand-new model is $1800, the gap of recoverable depreciation is $1100. When you encounter an issue and make an insurance claim, all of us here standing by for you at the Alexander Insurance Agency will calculate the actual cash value of the item that is damaged, missing, or destroyed from peril. If the item was damaged because of an issue that was covered by the policy such as a flood or fire, the company will assign an adjuster to determine what the value of replacement will be.

This provides a close-up look at the deprecation of the item including its age, normal wear and tear, and predicted longevity. If you purchased a home computer for $3,000 three years ago and it turns up missing, your homeowner’s adjuster could determine that a desktop computer’s typical lifespan is five years. Since the laptop was then three years old, the depreciation stat is $1800. The ACV Payment is $1200, which is $3000 – $1800. Your deductible also kicks in and applies for a claim, of which an average amount is $500 – $1000.

What Type of Payments can I expect for Depreciation Insurance?

If your homeowner’s policy does not currently have replacement cost coverage, the check you receive after a claim will be for the ACV minus the deductible. If you are currently covered for replacement cost, you will get a first payment for the ACV of the item so you can begin the process of fixing it or obtaining a new one, and the second payment will then be issued for the recoverable depreciation. Once you receive an ACV insurance payment and begin the process of repair or replacement, you’ll receive a recoverable depreciation payment after you submit your receipts.

Sometimes after a disaster “life just happens” and you get too busy to take care of everything that stacks up on your to-do list. If you don’t follow through with finishing a repair or replacement, you won’t receive the second payment for recoverable depreciation. In this case, you would just receive a check for the item’s ACV. The items that were destroyed are what you are being reimbursed for, and if you decide not to replace them, you won’t receive full compensation.

How do I Begin the Process of a Recoverable Depreciation Claim?

If a disaster or theft happens to you, here are the appropriate steps to take:

Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible about the event.
Gather all the important information such as receipts, high-res photographs, and police reports.
Submit the vital claim form together with supporting documents to the insurance company for prompt assistance.
Wait for the company to process your claim.
You’ll then receive your first payment to reimburse you for the cash value.
Take the time to fully repair or replace the item.
Submit the receipt to your insurance provider.
You will then receive the second payment to cover recoverable depreciation.

Which Party is the Valid Recipient of the Depreciation Insurance Check?

The final depreciation payment may be issued to you, a lienholder, or the company you employed to repair the item. If your home undergoes damage, your mortgage company may be the one listed on the check because they hold a legal stake in your property. If you are replacing something such as a couch or stove, the payment will be issued directly to you as the owner. These important details can make a difference when it comes down to how quickly you can obtain or deposit the funds you are due.

What Factors Will Affect the Terms of my Recoverable Depreciation Payment?

If the actual cost of the replacement item remains at less than the value of your original item, the recoverable depreciation payment will be calculated based on what was originally yours. If you had paid $2000 for a guitar that got destroyed and its replacement cost $1000, you won’t get to claim a check for the difference.
If you choose to not replace or repair an item, you will only receive a check for the item’s actual cash value and not a fully-fledged recoverable depreciation check.
If you filed a claim for an item that doesn’t depreciate over time such as machinery or jewelry, you won’t receive a second check.
Some states will mandate a rigid time that you need to make a claim to receive recoverable depreciation. This has quite a bearing on when you will receive the payment and be able to thoroughly replace what was lost.

Does my Situation Recoverable Depreciation Insurance?

Everyone’s situation is different, but personal belongings are incredibly important to your daily thriving and healthy existence. If anything ever happens to them, you need to ask yourself a very serious question of if you have enough money to cover the full replacement cost. If there is any question about your ability to do this, it’s best to make sure you have replacement cost coverage to allow you to meet that need during a time of extreme stress. Here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of Saint Charles, we have been assisting families and businesses to build their dreams for years and are eager for you to have a plan for the times when the unexpected affects the possessions you have worked so hard for!

21Sep

As some drivers hurry down the road to their next destination, the specifics of your car insurance policy may not always be on your mind. However, if an accident does take place, it quickly moves to the top of your priorities! No one wants to have a claim denied, but it does happen. These are just a few of the reasons why the claim may be denied, and what you can do to get things back on track.

The Premium Was Not Fully Paid:

Since your car insurance policy is a contract between you and the provider, you are bound by agreement to pay the premium in exchange for varieties of coverage. If your payment is not promptly received, the insurer may cancel your policy or deny claims. It is imperative to always pay your premium right on time, even though there are some grace periods in place to help you if you are falling behind.

Expiration of Statute of Limitations:

Once a car accident takes place, the time you have to officially report is limited. If you are not 100% sure what your statute of limitations entails, speak with a licensed attorney who specializes in car insurance claims, and they will be able to tell you if you are in any danger. In Missouri, that time is currently listed as five years, but you can refer to us back periodically as things change.

The Accident Type is Not Covered by Your Policy:

Every accident has different characteristics, and comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist insurance policies all have different properties that may or may not apply to each incident. It’s always a good idea to keep in touch with us periodically and remain updated on what your policy includes in the case of an accident. You may encounter surprises when you have the bare minimum for coverage, another area in which we can offer you full assistance.

The Damages You Suffered Were Not a Direct Result of the Accident:

After an accident occurs, it should not be automatically assumed that your insurer will kick in promptly and cover all damages. If it can be proven that these damages were not a result of the accident, they may not be covered at all.

Medical Attention Was Not Immediately Sought:

Even if your injury just feels like it is a minor scrape or scuff, it’s important to see a doctor right away. It’s not just for your health: this will greatly support your overall claim. The insurer can deny your claim without the proper records that detail any injury such as MRIs, X-rays, and other forms of documentation. Even if you feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, you could be in shock, and issues such as internal injuries are not always immediately evident. By undergoing a thorough check-up, you’ll have the proper elements you need if you start to encounter sudden pain or other trauma in the future.

Encountering Delays on the Wayside of Cooperation:

Immediately after an accident, the insurance company involved will begin collecting information about all the events. Even if you are traumatized, hospitalized, or otherwise pressed for time, it’s very important to make sure these are handled quickly. There is now a lot of information to be processed and other things to take care of in your busy life as well, but making sure this gets handled immediately is only going to make the entire process that much smoother in the long run.

A Lack of Evidence in the Long Run:

So many car accidents are not quite cut and dry and involve detailed paperwork, medical records, and other forms of detailed evidence. After you file a claim, your most important objective is to provide proof that these damages were a result of this accident, allowing claims to be processed faster and without question. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes difficult to stay on top of everything, as you may be dealing with other entities who are all requesting information from you. Phone calls and other requests may stack up, and these various forms of evidence are crucial to a hassle-free process.

If your car insurance claim is denied when you initially begin the process, it’s important to not panic! You can always make the motion to file an official appeal or speak with an informed and experienced attorney to guide you. We have been helping people who are just getting through the initial stress and inconvenience of an accident for years at Alexander Insurance. We are standing by to assist you with the right decisions in policy selection to provide you the ultimate protection!

12Sep

From a teeming digital storefront to the bustling hallways and warehouses of a physical business address, many events can quickly arise that will make you want to feel protected. We provide many kinds of business coverage here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of Saint Charles and have learned over the years that the perfect balance of policies you need will depend on several variables regarding your company.

Business Insurance will aid with multiple claims, private property, and legal payments in case anything goes wrong while you are conducting business. The act of being insured is setting yourself up for security in the event of a business loss of income and can be a huge help with recovery and getting back on track with logistics after an incident.

What Types of Elements are Covered?

Here are some of the traits that business insurance can assist you with and protect:

Lives with business principles
Lives for essential employees
Lives of a specified employee group
Long and short-term disability of owners and employees
Needs for the buildings and essential machinery property and casualty coverage
Liability for and damage to transportation assets essential for work
Liability for general product
Employee health insurance in the event of injury or sickness
Lost earnings after an injury falling under workers’ comp

How Much Will This Protection Cost me?

The biggest factor that affects how much your monthly cost will be is the type of business insurance you choose. Business insurance can average from $75 per month for general liability and sometimes around $130 per month for worker’s compensation. There is also the option of securing a business owner’s policy that combines the liability and property coverage elements into one form of coverage. The average cost in the US for this type of policy is around $110 per month.

Another very important factor that decides how much you purchase is what type of business you run. Someone in the contracting business can expect to pay more than someone who functions in an office-oriented setting such as a call center. The reasoning behind the drastic difference is the hazards that are related to each different job since the machinery, pacing, and atmosphere of a contracting business can carry much more hazardous potential than is found within the office.

The amount of coverage you are seeking influences your costs as well, and you can offset this a bit if you can settle for having a bit higher deductible. If a claim is ultimately made, an adjuster assesses the damage amount, and decides on the final cost to fix or completely replace the items in question. After the deductible is paid, your provider issues you a payment for reimbursement, much like medical coverage kicking in for a hospital stay after a certain threshold.

What Are the Different Forms of Business Insurance?

Although it can seem a bit more complex than standard auto coverage, that’s why we are here and happy to help! Here are some of the options you can choose from to “custom-build” a functional coverage that works for you and every facet of your business:

A Business Owners Policy consists of a combination of general liability coverage and property insurance. There is also the option of adding employment practices liability insurance policy to make sure that your employees have appropriate coverage.
Business Interruption Insurance is also commonly known as business income insurance and helps you recover valuable lost income and expenses related to operating pay. Elements such as payments on loans, taxes, and your mortgage can be covered if you are forced to shut down because of some type of disaster. Occurrences such as burglary, flooding, and fire all apply here.
Management Liability Insurance: This will kick and provide combined coverage such as employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, and essential coverage for businesses operating with a board of directors.
Errors and Omissions Insurance is one form of coverage you want to consider if you offer professional services. It will protect you if a client can adversely claim that using your services was the cause of financial stress. Having coverage like this is especially vital for dozen financial advising in tax prep professions.
Product Liability Insurance is important to protect you against claims that are related to the use and vitality of a product. If any component of your product causes damage or injury and triggers or lawsuit, product liability insurance will be in place to protect you.
Auto Coverage: When you or your employees are using vehicles for business purposes, you will need coverage. The choice between commercial or personal auto insurance depends on what type of vehicles you are using, and what level of coverage you are after.

What Steps are Taken to Determine What Type of Insurance Your Business Needs?

1. Take Inventory of your Assets Vs. Responsibilities:

It is very important to do a thorough inventory of your business and its assets, to clearly determine just what needs coverage. Ask yourself what insurance you are legally required to have, and exactly where your liabilities that can add up quickly are. If you are working around dangerous equipment you may want to secure coverage for injury, as well as a pawn shop owner may want protection against various theft.

Missouri State Law requires businesses with five or more employees to carry worker’s comp insurance, and every business-owned vehicle must be covered with a commercial insurance policy.

2. Closely Examine all Risk Factors:

Take the valuable opportunity to analyze your additional risk and liability will help you with determining which insurance can offer the perfect fit of coverage for you. Some difficult questions may need to be addressed such as what would happen in the event of a commanding chief’s death, and other issues should be looked at regarding day-to-day risks for your profession. Tree-trimming, framing, and concrete laying all provide unique risks that should not be brushed off in case of accidents and liability issues.

3. Settle on a Defined Level of Comprehension:

Depending on what type of business you’re insuring, you may need a basic level that covers all aspects of what you could potentially lose. The best way to do this is by tallying the cost, and then stack that up against the probability of those events occurring during your daily operation. it has become obvious over the last two years that no business can ever have too much protection, as the world becomes more uncertain every day.

This is a big decision for any business owner, as you are providing security for yourself along with a chance to know that you’ll be covered if your day’s business operations have any unexpected pitfalls for you to accommodate. Having to pay out a claim yourself is something that you won’t want to have to handle on your own, and we will gladly assist you during this process: you won’t ever feel as if any employee or facet of your business could take an unexpected hit.

29Jun

Boat Insurance will cover you in the event of any extreme loss or damage that has occurred to your boat and will cover most water crafts that are motor-powered. As summer is now here with its many opportunities for fun and water-inspired thrills, this type of insurance will cover recreational fishing boats, pontoon boats, leisure crafts, yachts, and even paddle boats. If your boat of choice is a canoe or kayak, you usually do not have to opt for coverage.

What Exactly does Boat Insurance Cover? Before you head out on the water to enjoy the sun and splash-induced thrills that the weekend commands, it’s important to know just how your boat policy from us here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles will allow you to enjoy your time out on the water while being protected. Here are some of the ways you can expect to protect yourself after you consult with us here to see which option is best for your wave-running slice of fun!

Collision Damage: This covers repairs or placement of your boat, but it might not include the cleanup of the actual wreckage unless you are willing to purchase optional additional coverage on the watercraft.
Property Damage Liability: This coverage will account for injury that you might cause anyone while you are enjoying your boat, such as medical expenses, loss of job income, and any expenses from legal proceedings.
Comprehensive: Is a type of coverage that will provide conversation if your boat is stolen, vandalized, or severely damaged in an incident other of them a proven crash.
Additional Coverage Options: These will assist with providing coverage for medical payments, loss of fishing equipment, drastic oil spills, damage of your valuable personal property and even roadside assistance. It will also help with damage and injuries from any accident caused but negligent boaters who do not have insurance coverage.

Am I Required to Carry Boat Insurance? Before you hit the water for some fun and much-needed sun, you’ll want to know if boat insurance is required by their state. Many states require that you have the most basic tier of liability coverage, and marinas may require you to have boat insurance to properly dock at their location. If you are seeking a loan to buy a boat outright, the lender will likely require that you have sufficient boater’s insurance coverage in place.

What Warrants Sufficient Coverage For my Needs? The total amount of boat insurance you need depends on a number of factors: these include the size of the motor, age of the vessel, value of the boat, and daily intended use. If you have a very modern speed boat boasting a massively powered engine, you will need a heightened amount of coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability as opposed to buying a slower pleasure trawling model. We recommend securing at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance, and you may need more if you have a powerful boat that poses more risk and can rapidly cause more damage to others out on the water. For uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, a typical minimum is $10,000. The amount you are looking to secure should take into consideration the potential injuries and incurred damage you may need to be responsible for if you or one of your crew is seriously injured, or the boat suffers damage.

What About the Others Along for the Ride? Boat Insurance will adequately cover boat passengers as well as the owner in case of a sudden accident. The passengers are covered under the liability portion that is written into the said boater’s policy. We are asked frequently about water-skiers: this is one area where one of our knowledgeable professionals can help evaluate you as the tendencies for accidents and rates can vary.

Recreational boating is one of many Missouri residents’ favorite pastimes as it allows for the enjoyment of open space, adrenaline wave-running professionals getting their fix, and anyone who wants to chase bluegill or bass tranquil dreams of office escape come true. We hope that you come to visit us soon here at the Alexander Insurance Agency to find the best boating policy for you, and leave with the assurance that everything that happens on the water while you are enjoying “a year of reclaimed freedom” is fully covered and spoken for!

28Jun

After the nation has endured more than two years of feeling locked down in so many ways, the chance to see soul-stirring locations such as the Grand Canyon and other amazing national parks are just a start of what you can do with a well-equipped RV. There’s nothing quite as freedom-inducing as having a place to spend the entire evening on wheels, and the “Winnebago Warrior” spirit has been around for decades. Many people right here in Missouri are asking us about the different types of coverage that they will need to do the job right and feel as if they are protected in all ways once they hit the road.

Are you Holding the Best Type of RV Insurance Possible For Your Needs? There are several different types of recreational vehicles that offer tons of sleeping space, outdoor and indoor cooking options, and the means for the whole family to escape and enjoy the great outdoors on your own terms. Here it is important to note that you may not just want to rent it, cover it, and put it in drive before you go: there are many things that you may want to learn about the handling and overall performance of your RV before hitting a place such as the Ozarks with a recreation-bound fervor!

The main differences that we can go over with you here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles depend on whether you have a camper, motorhome, or trailer. In most states as a rule, you’ll need liability, property damage, and bodily injury as your minimum requirements for coverage. If your RV motorhome is not completely paid for by you, the lending party will want you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage to provide your due diligence protecting their property while waiting for the title transfer process to be completed in its entirety.

Is RV Insurance Required During all Times of Operation? If you happen to damage your RV or impose injuries upon another party, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. Depending on the type of incident that occurred, your insurance policy may kick in and pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage amount. One of the most important things to consider while looking at your options for RV coverage is that your premium is determined by how often you use it, and if it is just used occasionally or if you are using it as a full-time place of residence.

Comprehensive Coverage will protect your RV from outright theft, vandalism, windshield damage, rocks and debris that may be kicked up, and sudden impact with animals. Collision coverage takes care of damage to your RV if an accident takes place no matter which driver was ruled at fault. Both coverages will include a deductible, which is paid out of pocket before coverage much like forms of health care coverage.

Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability is the coverage type that is usually the predominant one being required for motorhomes. It will act to pay for damage or injuries that you cause while driving your motorhome and will thankfully cover legal fees that could occur after any type of accident. Travel trailers do not require liability coverage because it is usually provided by the vehicle that is in place with the necessary muscle and horsepower to keep the load movin’ at all costs.

Uninsured/Underinsured Property Damage and Bodily Injury: if your motorhome is hit and damaged by someone who is not carrying insurance at all or does not have enough to properly cover the damage they’ve caused, the uninsured and uninsured motorist property damage coverage type will pay to repair for replacement, or for any injuries that happen during the incident.

It has been exhilarating to know that all our valued customers here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles are able to get back out and enjoy everything the fresh air and stoking challenges the wild can offer. Having a moving space in tow allows for the freedom to come back from the lake and chill out for a bit, have a movie night if the weather takes a drastic turn, or even bunk up properly with some of the extra family fun-seekers that came along for the ride. If you are just heading out for a few weeks or want to consider roving around in an RV permanently, come sit down with us and plan for being well-protected from loss, accidents, and damage: There is too much time you’ll want to spend enjoying open spaces instead of worrying about any trouble that will arise from not properly covering your necessary insurance bases!

20Jun

Once you begin the exciting process of planning a vacation and looking at the various types of accommodations to choose from, you’ll find that vacation rentals, quaint bed and breakfasts, lavish hotels, and independent contractors such as Airbnb are all now on the scene for your selection. There are many good reasons to book a vacation rental, and just as you would look at many other traits, you and your fellow vacationers should counsel how significant it is to have appropriate insurance coverage when staying at a vacation rental.

We know that everyone loves to envision the excitement of jet skis on pounding waves, ideal dinners outside at night, and the best of what a vacation has to offer, but your personal belongings along with other items need to be considered when you embark on your routine trip of seasonal summer fun. You may have an existing policy that protects your home and your belongings, such as a renter’s insurance policy or a homeowner’s insurance policy. Personal property coverage and liability coverage are two of the predominant means of protection we can offer you here at the Alexander Insurance Agency of St Charles.

What are the Most Important Means of Coverage During my Stay?
Personal property coverage is in place to protect any property that is not physically attached to buildings or structures on the real estate you are enjoying your vacation in. The personal property that is entirely covered in your homeowners or renters’ policy will kick in and cover all the dire contents of your home or even apartment, such as a stove, refrigerator, and your personal belongings like books and clothing. These policies will actually also cover other personal property that you keep in other locations, such as a nearby storage facility, and may even cover items for a next of kin’s personal property away at school in a dorm room.

The Personal Liability portion of your homeowner’s or renters’ insurance policy protects you against unexpected lawsuits for things like injury on your property, and damage on said property that you and your family members can inadvertently cause to guests. Many times, things happen in a vacation rental when the family is not paying attention and you can cause damage at the drop of a hat with something like a hot skillet or leaking cooler. Everyone who goes on vacation is also excited to bring along their favorite furry friends, this kind of coverage also protects you against damage that your overexcited canines may incur.

Other Very Useful Types of Coverage for Seasonal Stays:
Other things to consider during a seasonal summer stay are whether the vacation rental you are temporarily inhabiting is protected by a homeowner’s insurance policy. It is best to always ask the owner what type of insurance they have as a policy for the vacation rental because you want to make sure that there’s liability coverage in place to protect you if any amount of things happen to you while you are enjoying your stay. It is best to make sure that the owner has procured proper coverage for the vacation rental just in case one of your party is injured on the property if the owner is negligent.

You can stumble, fall, slip, or trip on any part of the dwelling that may not be up to code or deteriorating, and their liability coverage would be needed to assure the person who was injured had their medical bills properly covered. We can assist you before you go on a vacation because we know that the next one you take may be extended! It has been amazing to see the world open up again and all of our customers enjoying the all-out freedom of taking extended trips: there is so much to see and do out there in the wide world! A few quick questions answered on our end here at Alexander Insurance will assure that you are in good shape for the trip, the packed bags are done with due diligence, and the flight plan is booked for pre-boarding and summertime excitement!

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